North Korea in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in North Korea

12°C (54°F) High Temp

-5°C (23°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal clear air with visibility extending 20+ km (12+ miles) - perfect for photography of Pyongyang skyline and mountain vistas without summer haze
Minimal crowds as this is shoulder season before winter closure - you'll have monuments like Kumsusan Palace and Kim Il-sung Square nearly to yourself
Autumn foliage at peak in early November around Mount Myohyang (909m/2,982ft elevation) and Kaesong's ancient walls
Stable weather with only 3 rainy days and consistent temperatures - ideal for the structured itineraries required in North Korea

Considerations

Temperatures drop rapidly after mid-November, requiring heavy winter clothing and limiting outdoor time at monuments
Daylight hours shrink to 9.5 hours by late November, restricting sightseeing time in a country where evening activities are extremely limited
Some remote locations like North Korea may close due to early snow, reducing tour options

Best Activities in November

Pyongyang Architecture and Monument Tours

November's clear, dry air provides exceptional visibility for appreciating Pyongyang's socialist realist architecture. The Juche Tower (170m/558ft) offers panoramic views without summer haze, while cooler temperatures make walking tours of Kim Il-sung Square and the Pyongyang more comfortable. Early morning light is particularly striking on the metallic facades.

Booking Tip: Book through approved tour operators 8-12 weeks ahead as November slots fill quickly due to limited winter availability. Tours typically cost $2,000-3,500 for 4-7 days including guides, accommodation, and meals. Ensure your operator has current permits for monument access.

DMZ and Kaesong Historical Tours

The Demilitarized Zone and ancient Kaesong are at their most photogenic in November with autumn colors framing the stark border installations. Cooler temperatures make the 2.5km (1.5-mile) walk through Kaesong's UNESCO World Heritage tombs comfortable, and clear skies enhance views of South Korean territory from North Korea.

Booking Tip: DMZ access requires special permits processed 6-8 weeks in advance. Combined Kaesong-DMZ tours typically cost $300-500 as day trips from Pyongyang. Book through operators with confirmed border crossing permits.

Mount Myohyang Temple and Nature Walks

November brings peak autumn foliage to Mount Myohyang's Buddhist temples and the International Friendship Exhibition. The 3km (1.9-mile) walking trails through Pohyon Temple complex are comfortable in 8-12°C (46-54°F) temperatures, and maple leaves create impressive backdrops for the ancient pagodas.

Booking Tip: Mountain tours require overnight stays at Hyangsan Hotel. Book 10-14 days ahead for autumn season. Expect $150-250 per person for overnight packages including mountain guide and temple access fees.

Pyongyang Metro and Underground City Exploration

November's cooler surface temperatures make the contrast with the warm underground Pyongyang less jarring. The famous decorated stations at Puhung and Yonggwang are less crowded, allowing better photography opportunities of the chandeliers and socialist realist murals 100m (328ft) underground.

Booking Tip: Metro tours are included in most Pyongyang packages but photography permits cost extra. Underground tours typically add $50-100 to standard city packages. Confirm camera permissions when booking.

Mass Games and Cultural Performances

If the Mass Games are running in November 2025 (schedule varies yearly), the cooler evening temperatures make the 90-minute outdoor spectacle at Rungrado Stadium more comfortable. The 150,000-seat venue becomes magical under November's clear night skies.

Booking Tip: Mass Games tickets are extremely limited and must be arranged through authorized tour operators. When available, expect $100-200 premium above standard tour costs. Book immediately upon schedule confirmation.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Kimchi Making Season

November marks kimjang season when families prepare winter kimchi stores. Some tours offer authentic kimchi-making experiences with local families under supervised cultural exchange programs.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated jacket rated to -10°C (14°F) - temperatures can drop unexpectedly and outdoor monument visits are mandatory parts of tours

Thermal underwear layers - you'll spend 3-4 hours outdoors daily regardless of temperature during structured sightseeing

Waterproof boots with good traction - November brings occasional ice on marble monument steps and uneven sidewalks

Multiple battery packs - cold weather drains camera batteries 40-50% faster, and photography opportunities are limited

Hand warmers (bring your own) - not available for purchase locally and essential for outdoor monument ceremonies

Conservative formal clothing - at least one outfit suitable for laying flowers at monuments (required activity)

Prescription medications in original containers with doctor's letter - medical supplies are extremely limited

Cash in euros or Chinese yuan - credit cards don't work and ATMs are non-existent for tourists

Offline translation app downloaded before arrival - internet access is prohibited for tourists

Quality face mask for cold air - November winds can be harsh during outdoor political site visits

Insider Knowledge

Bring spare camera memory cards - you cannot purchase electronics in North Korea and November's clear skies create exceptional photography conditions you won't want to miss

Pack extra snacks familiar to your diet - while meals are included, the cuisine is heavily Korean-influenced and international options are extremely limited

November tours often include heating delays in hotels as the system switches from cooling to heating - pack extra layers for sleeping

The Korean won you receive as change cannot be taken out of the country - spend it all on the final day or lose it at departure

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold outdoor monument visits become - tourists often pack for the daytime highs but ignore that you'll stand outside for ceremonies in early morning when it's near freezing

Bringing prohibited items like GPS devices, professional cameras, or religious materials without declaring them - November border checks are thorough as tourist season ends

Not having exact tour payments ready in clean, unmarked bills - North Korean tour operators are strict about payment denominations and condition